Livingston Reporting - page 222

Is It Time To Replace Your PC

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

We get asked all the time if clients should replace their personal computers or if it is worth repairing.  Many of us get used to the quirks of our own computers.  Over time we know what works and what doesn’t. We know when to wiggle the connections and when a simple reboot will reset the system.  This is one reason it is so difficult to diagnosis when it’s time for a person’s PC to be upgraded.  Below are some of the signs we look for to know it is time to transfer that data to a new computer.

One sign that it is time to upgrade your PC is when you can no longer install the latest upgrades to the computers operating system.  New versions in operating systems weren’t always a priority for users however with the latest update to Windows 10 everything has changed.  Most of us stick with operating system our computers come with when we purchase them.  We ignore upgrades and continue functioning under the status quo of the system that is familiar to us.  Computer users with Windows XP are finding that computers still using this operating system are now obsolete.

We also know it is time to upgrade when users can no longer use the computer to run the latest apps and games.  Gaming on personal computers is costly.  All PC users try to “future-proof” their computers but there will always be something to upgrade when you own a personal computer.

Another reason to replace your PC is because it has become slow.  A slow computer means something different to every user.  You will know when your PC becomes too slow for you.  Does the computer boot up only after you have brewed an entire pot of coffee?  Can you type an entire sentence before even one word appears on the computer screen?  Is the computer grinding to a complete halt when you open more than a single screen?  If things used to work faster than they do and they are no longer functioning as you know them to it is time to upgrade your PC.

If you find yourself spending more time repairing your computer than enjoying it that is a clear sign you need to upgrade.  When it becomes a nuisance to own your personal computer then it is time to buy a new one.   Your computer should not crash without an explanation, the wi-fi should stay connected, systems should not freeze these are all signs, as is the blue screen of death, that your computer should be replaced.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

Creative Programs and Systems

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Attract Customers With An Eye-Catching Label Design

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As you are looking to attract customers to purchase your product it is important to consider every aspect.  From the contents of the package to the outside label it is important to pay attention to what your target markets wants and needs.  A well designed, informative label is arguably one of the most significant features in getting consumers to purchase your product.  Don’t let budget restraints stall your efforts in making sure you get a label that is custom designed for your product.  Below are the fundamentals to ensure you get the label your product deserves:

When beginning the process of designing your label it is vital to the success of your product that consideration is given to the container.  Both the container and the label should merge together to create one unified package.  The container and label ratio should complement one another because an improper layout does not create the optimal image for success.

The design of the label should include high quality images.  Consumers will judge the quality of your product based on its overall appearance.  This is one of the reasons why label design should always be of the highest priority.  Not only should you use high quality images be certain to choose a label manufacturer that prints on materials of the highest quality.  Focus on both product packaging and label design to create the most visual appealing product possible.

Another crucial feature that should be prominent on your products label is your company’s logo.  The company logo helps to establish the brand the product belongs with.  Brand loyalty is a large part of a consumers buying decision.  With brands that are already well established it is important new products within the line are linked directly to the brand name.

As the label is being designed it is important to avoid focusing on the label as its own entity.  Consider the bigger picture; the label will be displayed next to its direct competition therefore should stand out.  The label artwork and company logo should be highly visible when the product is on display.  Avoid overcrowding the elements within the label.  Too much text, too many graphics or elements of design can take away from the overall message of the label.

These are just a few of the most basic best practices that are used in designing a custom label for your company products.  Using the above tips to communicate with a professional custom label designer will help ensure the best possible label for your product.

pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

 

Anchor Printing

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Top Reasons To Choose Shrink Sleeve Labels

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

What efforts are you making to ensure that your product is standing out amongst your competitors? One way many product manufacturers consider is to re-design your products existing label.  Shrink sleeve labels are a new style of label that has recently become popular when designing custom product labels.  These labels are designed to wrap around the entire product container. Shrink sleeves are adaptable, appealing and strong.

Top Reasons To Choose Shrink Sleeve Labels

  • Shrink sleeves are perfect for manufacturers looking to wrap their product containers in a three hundred and sixty degree labeling option. The entire product is covered in labeling meaning that no matter how the product is held the consumer is getting information on your product.  The design is genius for getting the most exposure for your money.  It won’t matter how your product is displayed your shrink sleeve label will allow consumers to know it is from the manufacturers brand of products.
  • Some products are packaged in odd shaped containers making them difficult to properly label. An ill-fitting label will leave consumers with the perception of a low quality product.  Shrink sleeves are a high quality option in labels that fit even the oddest container.  Take odd shaped containers and enhance them with a label designed to boost the benefits of the products shape.
  • Shrink sleeve are easily the best option in labeling if manufacturers are looking for the ability to add a tamper proof seal. A seal is added to shrink sleeve labels to secure products.  This helps to prevent the product from being accessed prior to purchase without breaking the seal.  This makes it impossible to tamper with a product without it being noticed.
  • Another major benefit of using shrink sleeves in product labeling is how well it holds up during transit. This type of labeling over other options is resistant to scuffing, rips and outside damage.  In shrink sleeve labeling the graphics and print is mirrored meaning that the label is actually printed on the inside, the side that sits against the product package.  This allows the label to be handled without worry of discoloration or tarnishing especially during the shipment and unloading phases of the logistics process.

In order for shrinks sleeves to be applied they must be heated then allowed to melt perfectly into the shape of the container.  This process of application is what allows shrink sleeve labels to conform perfectly to most any container size, shape or material.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Safety With Aluminum Pool Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One thing that most pool owners can agree on when it comes to safety is that a fence needs to be installed that meets safety standards.  Aluminum fencing is one of the easiest materials for the do it yourself homeowner to install without professional assistance.  Compared to other types of pool fencing, aluminum has several advantages which are included below.

Variety of Styles and Colors

When it comes to fencing for pools no other material has the design and color choices that aluminum fencing does.  Ornamental aluminum fencing is ideal to surround your pool and enhance your landscape.  It offers safety while enhancing the aesthetics.  Aluminum fencing offers several options including decorative scrolls and finial options.  Also the wide range of colors to choose from allows homeowners to compliment any exterior.

Ease of Installation

As fencing goes, aluminum is the easiest of materials to install.  For do it yourself homeowners who are looking to ensure they are meeting B.O.C.A. pool safety standards there is no simpler fencing material to install then aluminum.  Aluminum fence panels are easier to install then most other materials in fencing.

Suitable for a Variety of Landscapes

Another reason that aluminum fencing is ideal to install around a pool is because of its ability to adjust to the landscape.  Unlike other materials, aluminum fencing is rackable and compensates for slopes throughout the yard.  When your pool is not on level landscape, homeowners will not have any problem with installation using aluminum fencing.

Simplicity in Maintenance

Maintenance couldn’t be simpler in fencing than it is with aluminum fencing.  Aluminum does not rust, peel, rot, age or decay; it stays looking as new as the first day it was installed throughout its lifetime without any other maintenance then a yearly, gentle wash.

Overall Lifetime Cost

The lifetime cost of aluminum fencing is far less than many other options in fencing.  Aluminum fencing panels cost a bit more initially but without the maintenance requirements of wood, vinyl or wrought iron.  You will also save on installation costs. Aluminum fencing is simple enough to install for even the most novice weekend home improvement specialist.  Other materials seen in fencing require professional fence installation to hold up.

Strength and Durability

Another major benefit of aluminum pool fencing is how strong and durable it is over other fencing materials.  It can withstand weather and climates of all types. This allows aluminum fencing to last longer than any other pool fence type.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Reasons To Install Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are a number of reasons that homeowners choose to install a fence.  The most common reasons being the safety aspect of fencing.  Peace of mind is something that most of us can’t put a price tag on and that security is exactly what a fence provides homeowners.  A fence not only keeps kids and pets contained within the landscape it also works to prevent outside people and critters from entering.

Maybe these aren’t your concerns at all.  It could be that you aren’t worried about who is accessing your backyard at all.  It’s possible you don’t have kids or pets to worry about keeping in the yard.  However, there are many other reasons that a fence may be just what your landscape needs.

Sometimes homeowners don’t need a fence to enclose their backyards at all.  It is possible that a decorative aluminum fence is a perfect addition to hide an ugly eyesore within your yard.  Sometimes it could be an unsightly propane tank or air conditioning unit that is ruining the aesthetics of your landscape.  No matter what you want to conceal an ornamental aluminum fence will help improve the overall look of the area by camouflaging the eyesore.

Another reason homeowner’s install fencing is to help decrease the amount of wind that an area receives.  When installers understand the purpose the fence is being installed is to block the wind they will mount it in a tactical manner that directs the wind in a different direction. This allows the space to be enjoyed on even the windiest of days.  Install a fence to block the wind out when looking to enjoy your hot tub or fire pit year round.

Aluminum fencing is an ideal choice for partitioning large yards into smaller sections.  This unconventional concept can allow your yard to take on a whole new concept.  This allows your yard to have several purposes and new functions.  When you are partitioning a large yard it is important to meet with a professional fence installer.  They will recommend the best way in which to stabilize the aluminum fence panels to ensure their longevity.

No matter what reason you have for installing a fence it is important that you purchase quality fencing from a reputable company that backs their product.  There are many online aluminum fence wholesalers to choose from when looking into ordering your new fence.  Be sure to order your fencing from a company that offers not only a quality product but also excellent customer service.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Tips To Help Make An Informed Decision When Purchasing Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is important to make informed decisions when purchasing a fence that meets your family’s needs as well as your lifestyle and landscape.  As a homeowner there are numerous decisions that need to be made when choosing a fence for your home.

It is crucial to define the purpose the new fence is being installed to serve.  Are you looking to contain a pet, to detour thieves or to simply add privacy?  Look into the cost of maintenance and upkeep, HOA restrictions and difficulty of installation next.  With the cost of a fence being between two thousand and eight thousand dollars on average you will want to be positive that you are going to be happy with your end decision.

Homeowners should choose a fence that is best for their landscape.  There are a number of motivations for installing a fence including the most common: keeping children and pets contained, increased privacy, enclosing an in-ground pool and added visual appeal.  The goal is to prioritize what you need out of a fence.  This will narrow down different fencing materials that you can choose.

Next determine how much time and money you want to spend each year on maintaining your fence.  A wooden style fence will require the most upkeep.  Wood fences need to be stained or painted on a regular basis in order to keep the fence in good condition both in function and visual appeal.  Aluminum fencing on the other hand requires very little additional maintenance to keep it looking as good as the day it was first installed.

Another huge consideration in fencing comes with the rules involving your home owners association.  You may want a certain style fencing that just doesn’t fit within the regulations set in place by your HOA.  For obvious reasons it would be silly to continue with the installation of a fencing material that is not allowed by the governing body of your neighborhood community.  You will want to double check materials options and fencing heights that are allowed before placing an order for fencing.

The final factor in helping to determine what type of fencing material is best for your project is the installation factor.  Are you planning on installing the fence on your own or hiring a contractor to install the fence.  Aluminum fencing is one of the simplest materials for do it yourself homeowners to install with the best results.  Most aluminum fence manufacturers have detailed, step by step directions to follow that allow homeowners to correctly install their fencing within a weekend.  Just be sure as with all home improvement projects that you pull the proper permits with your local planning and zoning officials.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Important Aspects When Designing Custom Labels

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

No matter what product you are custom designing labels for it’s important to start out on the right track to avoid expensive revisions and reprints.  In this installment on custom label design we will discuss steps you can take to get on the right track for your next project.

In terms of color the standard rule of thumb is that web design should be done in RGB where as printed materials should be in CMYK.  Consider how colors work together and the messages that they deliver when standing alone or being used together.

Typeface is another issue that needs to be given attention to when designing a custom product label.  It is important that the typeface on your label can be easily read near and far.  The color of the typeface should also be easily red.  Metallic colors are often attractive and appealing to the eye but more difficult to read especially when paired with certain colors and textures.

Texturing on labels is another element that shouldn’t be overlooked.  A rustic, earthy style texturing may appeal to consumers when buying eco-friendly, organic products but not so much to high-tech gadget seekers.  The texturing elements should match the overall impression the product needs to give.

The type of container being used will also play a role in dictating the type of label that is designed.  The label needs to fit the container and compliment its shape.  Don’t jump into the design phase of label creation without giving serious consideration to the actual size and shape of the package of your product.  The label must sit on the container properly to appropriately represent the product.

It is also important to determine how much of the products packaging that you want to be visible.  If the product itself is not visually appealing the designer may wish to design a label that is able to cover up more of the product.  However the opposite may be true for a product that is appealing to the eye.

Your label design should allow your product to stand out when placed on a shelf with its direct competition.  It is imperative that the product grabs the customer’s attention.  To help make sure the design of you label is clear, appealing to the eye and unique ask yourself the following questions:

  • Does the label separate your product from its competitors?
  • Is there a clear and accurate representation of both your brand and product?
  • Will the label compel the target market into making a purchase?

Before you hit the presses with any label design take time to survey your market.  Ask the following questions:

  • Does this design idea feel linked to the product? Why or why not?
  • Does the label convey the product? Why or Why not?
  • Does the product package and labeling design appeal to you? Why or why not?

On top of all of these considerations it is also important to account for durability of the label.  Will the label withstanding the process of being packaged and shipped?  Will the label last for the lifetime of the product?

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Improve The Exterior Of Your Home With A Driveway Gate

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

There are many home improvements that can be done to increase the value and aesthetics of your home but how many can improve your peace of minded with additional security?  Driveway entry gates not only improve the exterior landscape of homes they offer a degree of privacy and safety that other exterior renovations can’t compete with.   A gate keeps outsiders from having access to your home environment without your knowledge.  There are a number of things that affect the overall cost of a project of this magnitude.  Consider the following when putting together a budget to install a driveway entry gate:

Manual Entry Driveway Gates

If you aren’t concerned with convenience then you may want to look into installing a manual gate.  This style of gate is one that will require someone to manually open and close the gate upon entry and exit.  This style of gate is a great addition for homeowners that are mainly concerned with privacy and will only be using the gate when they enter and exit.

Automatic Entry Driveway Gates

A more costly option but far more convenient is the installation of an automatic entry gate access.  This style of gate usually is operated via remote control, key pad, or voice sensor entry.  This allows the homeowner to have total control over who is allowed to enter the property.  It is an ultimate option in securing your family.

Construction and Gate Materials

The cost of the fence will vary depending on the gate materials that you choose.  The most common materials used for residential entry gates are aluminum, iron, steel, wood and vinyl.  Gates are styles in both single and dual panel styles.  Dual panel gates are more expensive then single and of course iron is more expensive then aluminum, steel, wood or vinyl.    Depending on your entry gate budge, security requirements and exterior look you desire will allow you to more thoroughly narrow down the gate material you will want to use.

Enhanced Home Equity

The installation of a driveway gate adds to both the safety and beauty of your home.  Both aspects appeal to consumer emotion and therefore help to increase the value of your home.  When you go to sell your home, an entry gate will increase the overall value of your property.  The cost of the fence may seem a bit overwhelming but this is one home improvement project that has a profitable return on investment.

Decreased Insurance Expenses

A lot of insurance companies will offer homeowners a discount on their home insurance policies when they install a driveway entry gate.  It is proven that the addition of gate decreases the likelihood that your home will be targeted by thieves and vandals.  Consider the discount in insurance when looking at the overall cost of the gate.  You may be pleasantly surprised at the yearly savings that comes from investing in a driveway gate.

 

SAC Fence

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Home Improvement Trends For 2017

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Are you thinking about putting your house up for sale during the next peak selling season?  If you are considering this it is time to think about inexpensive trends to incorporate into home improvements that you are contemplating right now.  When you put your house on the market the goal is to make the home appeal to the most buyers possible.  This can be done by creating a more general environment that offers less personalization and more generalization to the space.

Homeowners considering new appliances will want to consider some of the newer finishes available.  Even if you prefer white or black it is imperative that if your plan is to leave the appliances with the home that you consider upgrading to matte or stainless steel finishes.  Matte appliances are quickly outweighing the popularity of stainless steel but both are still preferred over colored appliances.  Matte finishes on appliances are great for families as they hide fingerprints, dirt and smudges that other finishes don’t.

Another popular home improvement project that is in style is cork flooring.  Cement flooring has had its day in the sun but quickly is being replaced with cushioned flooring options.  Cork is popular because it is compliments a variety of home environments.  It is offered in a variety of styles and color options.

As flooring trends go, in 2017 shag and pile carpeting will be viewed as outdated with a more popular option being cut and loop carpet.  Textures and patterns in carpet will be popular as well.  If you decide on using texture and pattern in flooring remember to remain neutral and complimentary on the walls, counter and furniture.  This will keep the home from becoming too personalized and keep it neutral for buyers to be able to visualize themselves in the space.

Technology is another popular trend that people are looking to incorporate into home improvement, especially in lighting.  Circadian lighting is a popular upgrade that is helping to sell homes to modern day buyers.  This type of lighting is in sync with the rhythm of our bodies.  The technology communicated with a phone to allow the homeowner to control the temperature settings throughout the day.  Homeowners can set the day lighting to be warmer and whiter while fading to an orange glow in the evening for a calmer more relaxed lighting option.

Water quality is another trend that has become more important to new buyers as well.  If you are looking to increase the attractiveness of your home a great way to do this is with an improved whole-home water filtration system.  This is a trend that goes right along with the popularity we have seen in previous years for home to be more eco-friendly.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Winter Care To Protect Your Pools Plaster

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Winter pool care doesn’t end by just putting the cover on it.  Care must continue throughout the off-season to assure that when the pool is open in the late spring that everything comes together as it should.  In this installment on in-ground gunite pool care we will share the top tips in off-season pool care.

  • Add an algae preventative to the pool water that will function throughout the winter. It is best to add the algaecide to the pool on the last day that the pool is being used for the season.  After the preventative is added to the water you should run the pools pump and filter for twenty four hours to allow for the chemical to fully circulate.  The goal in the end is to keep algae at bay during the off season.
  • As pool owners close their pools it is crucial to drain all of the water from the pump, heater and filter. The pipes and motorized mechanical systems of the gunite swimming pool are crucial to the operation of the pool.  If water freezes within the pipes they are apt to break.  This can be super costly and time consuming for the pool owner.
  • In order to keep your pool clean during the off season it is best that homeowners keep their pools covered. Not only will a pool cover keep out the dirt and debris that comes from leaves, snow and other off-season debris; it will also keep children and toddlers from entering the pool.
  • To make sure that your pool is ready for opening day in the spring it is important to add chlorine to the pools water. Chlorine should be added in the fall and when the water thaws in the spring.  Don’t add to much chlorine though as it can and will eat at the pools plaster if not kept balanced.
  • The responsibility of owning a pool doesn’t end when you stop swimming in it for the season. Life will be easier for you when you re-open the pool in late spring if when the pool is closed that you keep the cover protecting the pool clean.  Sticks, leaves, stones and such can easily accumulate on the pool cover if allowed.  It is important that pool owners take some time throughout the off season to remove the accumulated build up of debris in order to protect the pool surface.

It is important to keep up on preventative maintenance, as a pool owner, even when the pool is shut down for the season.  Keeping the pool in top shape is a lot less time consuming and costly if preventative maintenance is kept up on year round.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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